Startup Mahakumbh Initiates Startup Maharathi Challenge with a Winning Amount Rs 30 Crore

Startup Mahakumbh which is an annual event organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India has started a key initiative which is a Startup Maha Rathi Challenge for startups. It is launched as a part of the second edition of the Startup Mahakumbh. This challenge offers funding of Rs 30 crore along with mentorship. Additionally, the startup challenge will also provide networking opportunities as well as strategic advice to startups. The challenge has been organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry says, The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Register now for the world’s largest startup event: https://t.co/xwVZYjGMud#BharatInnovates

— Startup Mahakumbh (@StartupMhakumbh) February 26, 2025

The Startup Maharathi Challenge will cover key sectors including & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. The startups that will win the challenge will be able to gain exposure to global markets.

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT says, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”

The competition will be initiated in a structured multi-phase selection process. The application process launched on 26 February and will go through a 4-step process. The finale for the challenge will take place from 3^rd April to 5^th April at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The startup that will reach to grand jury will receive Rs 1 lakh. However, top two startups from each sector will receive Rs 10 lakh and the next 5 selectors will get Rs 5 lakh.